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Nats’ Purke to be introduced to media Thursday

Left-hander Matt Purke, the third-round pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, will be introduced by the Nationals during a Thursday afternoon press conference.

Purke received a Major League contract Monday night and was put on the 40-man roster. It was reported that Purke received a four-year, $4.4 million deal, but a source said the deal is less than the reported dollar figure.

The left-hander has the ability of a top-round talent — and was selected No. 14 overall by the Rangers in 2009, coming out of high school — but he came with injury concerns.

Purke had a dominant freshman season that saw him go 21-1 for Texas Christian University, but elbow bursitis shut down the sophomore after 11 starts this season.

Before agreeing to terms, Purke took a physical and pitched in front of general manager Mike Rizzo and a member of his staff. Purke showed that he was healthy and the team was willing to sign him.

“[Purke] was so open and honest about what he went through,” Rizzo said Monday. “He allowed us full access to him. Not many Draft choices allow you to do an MRI or arthrogram and shoot dye into the bodies for us to get a clear evaluation of their status.”

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